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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0; maximum-scale=1.0; user-scalable=0;"/><title>Proverbs 8 ISV</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="/chapnew2.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="../spec.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="../cmenus/proverbs/8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="../topmenuchap/proverbs/8-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="http://biblehub.com">Bible</a> > <a href="../">ISV</a> > Proverbs 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="../proverbs/7.htm" title="Proverbs 7">◄</a> Proverbs 8 <a href="../proverbs/9.htm" title="Proverbs 9">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top">International Standard Version</td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/p/isv/esv/proverbs/8.shtml" style="color:#001320" title="Parallel Chapters"> Par ▾ </a></tr></table></div><div class="chap"><p class="heading">Wisdom Calls for an Audience</p><p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-1.htm"><b>1</b></a></span>Isn’t wisdom calling out;</p> <p class="poetry2">isn’t understanding raising her voice?</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-2.htm"><b>2</b></a></span>On top of the highest places along the road</p> <p class="poetry2">she stands where the roads meet.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>Beside the gates, at the city entrance—</p> <p class="poetry2">at the entrance to the portals she cries aloud:</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>“I’m calling to you, men!</p> <p class="poetry2">What I have to say pertains<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:4 Lit. My voice is">a</a></span> to all mankind!</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>Understand prudence, you naïve people;</p> <p class="poetry2">and gain an understanding heart, you foolish ones.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>Listen, because I have noble things to say,</p> <p class="poetry2">and what I have to say<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:6 Lit. my open lips">b</a></span> will reveal what is right.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>For my mouth speaks the truth—</p> <p class="poetry2">wickedness is detestable to me.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>Everything I have to say is just;</p> <p class="poetry2">there isn’t anything corrupt or perverse in my speech.<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title=" 8:8 Lit. words">c</a></span> </p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>Everything I say is sensible to someone who understands,</p> <p class="poetry2">and correct to those who have acquired knowledge.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>Grab hold of my instruction in lieu of money</p> <p class="poetry2">and knowledge instead of the finest gold,</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>because wisdom is better than precious gems<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:11 Or rubies">d</a></span> </p> <p class="poetry2">and nothing you desire can compare to it.”</p> <p class="heading">The Way of Wisdom</p><p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-12.htm"><b>12</b></a></span>“I, wisdom, am related to<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:12 Lit. wisdom, live with">e</a></span> prudence.</p> <p class="poetry2">I know how to be discreet.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-13.htm"><b>13</b></a></span>The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.</p> <p class="poetry2">Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle,</p> <p class="poetry2">and perverted speech I despise.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-14.htm"><b>14</b></a></span>Counsel belongs to me,</p> <p class="poetry2">along with sound judgment.</p> <p class="poetry2">I am understanding.</p> <p class="poetry2">Power belongs to me.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-15.htm"><b>15</b></a></span>Kings reign by me,</p> <p class="poetry2">and rulers dispense justice through me.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-16.htm"><b>16</b></a></span>By me leaders rule, as do noble officials</p> <p class="poetry2">and all who govern justly.<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:16 So MT; LXX reads and tyrants rule the earth">f</a></span> </p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span>I love those who love me,</p> <p class="poetry2">and those who seek me will find me.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-18.htm"><b>18</b></a></span>Wealth and honor accompany me,</p> <p class="poetry2">as do enduring wealth and righteousness.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-19.htm"><b>19</b></a></span>My fruit is better than gold,</p> <p class="poetry2">better<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:19 The Heb. lacks better">g</a></span> than even refined gold,</p> <p class="poetry2">and my benefit surpasses the purest silver.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-20.htm"><b>20</b></a></span>I walk on the way of righteousness,</p> <p class="poetry2">along paths that are just,</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-21.htm"><b>21</b></a></span>I bequeath wealth to those who love me,</p> <p class="poetry2">and I will fill their treasuries.”</p> <p class="heading">The Agelessness of Wisdom</p><p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-22.htm"><b>22</b></a></span>“The LORD made me as he began his planning,<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:22 Lit. ways">h</a></span> </p> <p class="poetry2">before his ancient activity commenced.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-23.htm"><b>23</b></a></span>From eternity I was appointed,</p> <p class="poetry2">from the beginning,</p> <p class="poetry2">from before there was land.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-24.htm"><b>24</b></a></span>When there were no ocean depths,</p> <p class="poetry2">I brought them<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:24 The Heb. lacks them">i</a></span> to birth</p> <p class="poetry2">at a time when there were no springs.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-25.htm"><b>25</b></a></span>Before the mountains were shaped,</p> <p class="poetry2">before there were hills,</p> <p class="poetry2">I was bringing them<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:25 The Heb. lacks them">j</a></span> to birth.</p> <p class="poetry1 margintop"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-26.htm"><b>26</b></a></span>Even though he had not made the earth, nor the fields,</p> <p class="poetry2">nor the world’s first grains of dust,</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-27.htm"><b>27</b></a></span>when he crafted the heavens,</p> <p class="poetry2">I was there—</p> <p class="poetry2">when he marked out a circle on the face of the deep,</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-28.htm"><b>28</b></a></span>when he made the clouds from above,</p> <p class="poetry2">when the springs of the depths were established,</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-29.htm"><b>29</b></a></span>when he set a boundary for the sea</p> <p class="poetry2">so the waters would not exceed his limits,<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:29 Lit. command">k</a></span> </p> <p class="poetry2">when he marked out the foundations of the earth.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-30.htm"><b>30</b></a></span>Then I was with him, his master craftsman—</p> <p class="poetry2">I was his delight<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="8:30 So LXX; MT reads was filled with delight">l</a></span> daily,</p> <p class="poetry2">continuously rejoicing in his presence,</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-31.htm"><b>31</b></a></span>rejoicing in his inhabitable world</p> <p class="poetry2">and taking delight in mankind.”</p> <p class="heading">The Exhortation of Wisdom</p><p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-32.htm"><b>32</b></a></span>“So listen to me, children!</p> <p class="poetry2">Blessed are those who obey me.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-33.htm"><b>33</b></a></span>Listen to instruction and be wise.</p> <p class="poetry2">Don’t ignore it.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-34.htm"><b>34</b></a></span>Blessed is the person who listens to me,</p> <p class="poetry2">watching daily at my gates,</p> <p class="poetry2">waiting at my doorways—</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-35.htm"><b>35</b></a></span>because those who find me find life</p> <p class="poetry2">and gain favor from the LORD.</p> <p class="poetry1"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-36.htm"><b>36</b></a></span>But whoever sins against me destroys himself;</p> <p class="poetry2">everyone who hates me loves death.”</p><hr size="1" color="DDEEFF"><span class="mainfootnotes"><A name="ftn"></a><span class="mainfootnoteshdg">Footnotes:</span><br><span class="fn1"><span class="fnb">a</span> 8:4 Lit. <i>My voice is</i><br /><span class="fnb">b</span> 8:6 Lit. <i>my open lips</i><br /><span class="fnb">c</span> 8:8 Lit. <i>words</i><br /><span class="fnb">d</span> 8:11 Or <i>rubies</i><br /><span class="fnb">e</span> 8:12 Lit. <i>wisdom, live with</i><br /><span class="fnb">f</span> 8:16 So MT; LXX reads <i>and tyrants rule the earth</i><br /><span class="fnb">g</span> 8:19 The Heb. lacks <i>better</i><br /><span class="fnb">h</span> 8:22 Lit. <i>ways</i><br /><span class="fnb">i</span> 8:24 The Heb. lacks <i>them</i><br /><span class="fnb">j</span> 8:25 The Heb. lacks <i>them</i><br /><span class="fnb">k</span> 8:29 Lit. <i>command</i><br /><span class="fnb">l</span> 8:30 So LXX; MT reads <i>was filled with delight</i><br /></span><br><br><hr size="1" color="DDEEFF"><div align="center"><div id="botbox"><div class="padbot"><div align="center">The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1<br />Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation<br />ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/">Bible Hub</a></div></div></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="../proverbs/7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="../proverbs/9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="rightbox"><div class="padright"><div id="pic"><iframe width="100%" height="860" scrolling="no" src="//biblescan.com/mpc/proverbs/8-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></div></div><div id="rightbox4"><div class="padright2"><div id="spons1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td class="sp1"><iframe width="122" height="860" scrolling="no" src="../sidemenu.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="bot"><div align="center" style="background-color:#F2FAFF"><br /><br /><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="6710025936" data-ad-format="auto"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 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